IRVING, Texas — The Dallas Cowboys designated Ken Hamlin their franchise player today, locking up the Pro Bowl safety through at least next season.

The move essentially means Hamlin has a one-year contract at the average base salary of the top five safeties in the NFL: $4.4 million. It also keeps the unrestricted free agent off the market and extends the window to negotiate a long-term contract.

Hamlin made his first Pro Bowl during the Cowboys' 13-3 season. He finished with 62 tackles and five interceptions, one behind team leader Anthony Henry.